‘Tis the season to be jolly’ and all of that but, just because we are in the full swing of office parties and family get togethers, there are still things we can do that will help prevent us piling on the pounds and starting the New Year feeling bloated and unfit.
For starters, there are heaps of events, competitions and activities that we can do which will give us some exercise and may spark a new sense of motivation. Increasingly popular are themed runs. Whether these are Santa Runs, New Year’s Eve races or group cycle rides – you can take your pick from a host of mass participation events, all of which will leave you feeling far less guilty as you tuck into one more mince-pie.
Family get-together
It doesn’t have to be a formal activity. If you are having a family get together, why not encourage everyone to go to the park for an impromptu game of touch rugby, football or frisbee. It will be fun and the whole family can get involved. For a slightly less strenuous but equally enjoyable time, take a walk together, possibly adding a visit to a pub on route.
The holidays might also give you a chance to try something new. It may be that you never have time to go to a particular class – boxercise, spinning or yoga – when you are working, but with a few days off, then you can get your exercise in at a different time and give your body a different type of workout. Not only will this provide some variation to your routine but it may work different body parts or put a different stress on your muscles.
Take some time
Of course, it might be that all that partying and socialising has become just a little too much. If so, why not take some time out to go for a solitary run. One coach calls it a ‘smell the roses moment,’ that time when it is just you and Mother Nature. Whether you are on a bike, running or walking, a couple of hours could be just what you need to refresh and recharge your batteries.
Ice-skating is an activity that is increasingly available. The rink on Parkers Piece is popular and an hour on the ice will certainly give your legs a good workout. In terms of flexibility, strength, balance and coordination, ice-skating is a great way to get some exercise and have a laugh while doing it.
Brrrrrrr….
Finally, the sadistic way to recover from a hangover is to take a trip to the seaside and indulge in a Christmas Day or New Year’s Day swim. Every year, thousands of people take a plunge at this time of the year, and the refreshing, icy cold water is guaranteed to get your senses tingling.
Whatever you are doing this festive season, everyone at Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre wishes you very happy and healthy holidays.
Visit our website or Facebook page for more information on Christmas and New Year opening times and our fabulous Festive Package.
